AP Physics C: Mechanics · 20 questions from 6 exams
Past free-response questions
Practice released AP Physics C: Mechanics free-response questions from 2023 to 2026. Each one opens College Board's own question beside a space to write your answer, part by part, and then College Board's scoring guidelines so you can score it yourself.
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2026
This paper allotted 100 minutes to its four free-response questions. The current exam has 4 free-response questions in 95 minutes. The skills these questions practice still count.
- Question 1 · Mathematical Routines · 10 points A cube against the wall of a slowing box Analyze friction and normal force on a cube as a box slows, then sketch how friction changes over time. Unit 2
- Question 2 · Translation Between Representations · 12 points A projectile breaks into two pieces Represent momentum components during an airborne breakup and sketch horizontal velocity as the pieces continue their motion. Unit 1, Unit 4
- Question 3 · Experimental Design and Analysis · 10 points Measuring friction with a spring launched block Design an experiment and use graph data to determine a kinetic friction coefficient for a block launched by a spring. Unit 2, Unit 3
- Question 4 · Qualitative Quantitative Translation · 8 points A unicycle wheel and crank Compare rotational motion and torque in a wheel and crank system using the rotational inertia of its components. Unit 5
2025
This paper allotted 100 minutes to its four free-response questions. The current exam has 4 free-response questions in 95 minutes. The skills these questions practice still count.
- Question 1 · Mathematical Routines · 10 points Two sliding blocks stick together Represent momentum before and after a collision and derive relationships for blocks that collide and stick together. Unit 4
- Question 2 · Translation Between Representations · 12 points A block attached to two springs Use energy representations and a kinetic energy graph to analyze a block oscillating between two springs. Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 7
- Question 3 · Experimental Design and Analysis · 10 points A block held in a pivoting box Design measurements and graph data to investigate friction as a block moves in a box attached to a rotating rod. Unit 2, Unit 5, Unit 3
- Question 4 · Qualitative Quantitative Translation · 8 points A disk and ring rolling up a ramp Compare frictional forces on rolling objects and use rotational dynamics to explain differences between a disk and ring. Unit 5, Unit 6
2024, Set 1
This paper allotted 45 minutes to three free-response questions, each worth 15 points. The current exam has 4 free-response questions in 95 minutes. The skills these questions practice still count.
- Question 1 · Free response · 15 points Springs, friction and colliding blocks Analyze spring energy, a rough section and a collision between blocks, including a graph of kinetic energy over time. Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4
- Question 2 · Free response · 15 points A falling cylinder with air resistance Use a quadratic drag model and experimental data to analyze the acceleration and terminal motion of a falling cylinder. Unit 2, Unit 1
- Question 3 · Free response · 15 points A rod held by a string Draw forces on a pivoted rod and use torque and force relationships to study its equilibrium and subsequent motion. Unit 2, Unit 5
2024, Set 2
This paper allotted 45 minutes to three free-response questions, each worth 15 points. The current exam has 4 free-response questions in 95 minutes. The skills these questions practice still count.
- Question 1 · Free response · 15 points Blocks on a ramp and spring Analyze motion down a ramp, collision between blocks and spring compression, including a graph of momentum over time. Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4
- Question 2 · Free response · 15 points A falling sphere with air resistance Use a linear drag model and experimental data to analyze the speed and terminal motion of a falling sphere. Unit 2, Unit 1
- Question 3 · Free response · 15 points A disk with clay on its edge Draw forces on a disk and clay system and analyze torque and rotational motion as the system changes. Unit 2, Unit 5, Unit 6
2023, Set 1
This paper allotted 45 minutes to three free-response questions, each worth 15 points. The current exam has 4 free-response questions in 95 minutes. The skills these questions practice still count.
- Question 1 · Free response · 15 points A spring launches a block up a ramp Compare spring launches and use force diagrams, energy and friction to model the block’s motion along a ramp. Unit 2, Unit 3
- Question 2 · Free response · 15 points A torsional pendulum experiment Analyze oscillations of a suspended disk, graph energy and use experimental data to study its rotational inertia. Unit 7, Unit 5
- Question 3 · Free response · 15 points A rotating rod collides with a sphere Use torque, rotation and collision principles to analyze a pivoting rod and the motion of a struck sphere. Unit 5, Unit 6, Unit 4, Unit 2
2023, Set 2
This paper allotted 45 minutes to three free-response questions, each worth 15 points. The current exam has 4 free-response questions in 95 minutes. The skills these questions practice still count.
- Question 1 · Free response · 15 points A foam cushion in a cart collision Analyze changes in cart velocity and collision force using impulse and momentum for carts with a foam cushion. Unit 4
- Question 2 · Free response · 15 points Oscillation with multiple springs Predict how oscillation period depends on the number of attached springs and interpret experimental measurements with a graph. Unit 7, Unit 2
- Question 3 · Free response · 15 points Rotation of a wind turbine Model the torque and rotational motion of a three blade turbine and compare its angular speed with another system. Unit 5
The questions, scoring guidelines and Chief Reader reports are College Board's. Recent years open from College Board's site and earlier years from the Internet Archive. The titles and summaries on this page are ours.